Youth Public Safety

Every issue -- whether poverty, homelessness, climate change, racial injustice, gun violence, healthcare, or education, severely impacts Houston's children. Today's children have faced unprecedented circumstances and have witnessed the horrors of school shootings, police brutality, global pandemics, and natural disasters, all within the last few years. The Mayor's Offi ce of Education and Youth Engagement works to engage youth in efforts to build a better future, one based not only on self-determination, but also on a society that recognizes the inherent worth of every child regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

The Mayor’s Offi ce of Education & Youth Engagement reviews data and statistics of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors in Houston to develop a more holistic understanding of how neighborhood environments and public health conditions interconnect with crime. Analyzing factors such as illegal dumping, obesity, homelessness, substance abuse, and high school graduation rates presents a more accurate picture of the overall health of Houston communities and the impact crime can have on environments already vulnerable or susceptible to other community challenges.

Through education-focused initiatives, the Mayor’s Offi ce of Education and Youth Engagement (MOEYE) aims to create positive and enriching experiences for youth and families to improve perceptions and enhance community safety. In an attempt to lessen the effects of environmental burdens on youth and crime statistics, MOEYE has provided access to quality childcare and early childhood education, mental health interventions and support, and a youth workforce development program.

The City of Houston Youth Ambassadors Public and School Safety Committee develops projects to shed light on youth experiences and provide recommendations for improved safety for youth in their schools and communities. In 2025 - 2026 school year they develop videos for an anti-bullying campaign and a public safety contest, see more info below.

Speak Up for Safety - Youth Contest

The City of Houston Youth Ambassadors, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Offi ce of Education and Youth Engagement, are proud to announce the Speak Up For Safety, youth contest!

We invite Houston youth (8th-12th grade) to share an impactful LOCAL project focused on safety and/or youth mental health that they completed this academic year (2025-2026). It could be a project or event they launched at their school or in your community around the following topics:

• Promoting kindness and friendship
• Safe learning environments for students
• Anti-Bullying
• Youth Mental Health
• Wellness Activities
• Traffic/Transportation safety

***Youth Finalists will have the chance to win a LAPTOP and be recognized by City Leaders at a special event on June 12th, 2026****

Contest/Project Requirements:

• Applicants must be in 8th - 12th grade during the 2025-2026 academic year
• Pictures or videos of project must be submitted as proof of completion of project
• The project must be implemented in a school or community location within the City of Houston city limits.
• The Project must be completed by May 15th, 2026
• Share information you collected on its impact (who participated, youth quotes, etc.)

To enter contest submit form by May 22nd, 2026

• Click here for Contest Entry (Google Docs)

Youth Participation and Voice

The City of Houston recognizes that young people should have a range of opportunities for meaningful participation and decision-making infl uence within the systems and institutions that affect them. The City of Houston has made youth voice a priority, and our offi ce creates equitable systems that represent & include youth voices! By empowering youth and fostering their unique talents, we are building a city that is safe, equitable, just, inclusive & youth-led. Here is a selected list of channels to make your voice heard:

• Write to Mayor John Whitmire: mayor@houstontx.gov
• Request Mayor John Whitmire's presence
• Schedule a public session appearance
• Email the MOEYE: MOEdu@houstontx.gov

Education Links

• Education Home Page
• Calendar of Events
• College Planning Help
• Contact Office of Education